Ever tried wrestling with international dialing codes, only to end up talking to an automated voice in a language you don't understand? Calling the United States from London might seem straightforward, but a simple misstep can lead to frustration and unexpected charges. In today's interconnected world, staying in touch with family, friends, or business contacts across the Atlantic is more important than ever. Whether it's a crucial business deal, a heartfelt conversation with loved ones, or simply sharing the latest news, knowing how to correctly dial from London to America is an essential skill that can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
The intricacies of international calling can be surprisingly complex. Different area codes, time zone conversions, and the ever-present risk of roaming charges on your mobile phone all contribute to a potential minefield. This guide demystifies the process, providing clear and concise instructions on how to successfully call the US from London, ensuring you connect every time without any unwelcome surprises. Understanding these simple steps allows you to bridge the distance and maintain vital connections with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling the US from London
What's the cheapest way to call America from London?
The cheapest way to call America from London is generally by using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or app, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, or Viber, especially when calling another user of the same service. These services leverage internet connectivity, bypassing traditional phone networks and their associated charges, and often offer free or very low-cost calls and texts.
To elaborate, traditional international calling plans from landlines or mobile providers can be significantly more expensive, often charging per-minute rates that quickly add up. VoIP services, on the other hand, typically utilize your existing internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to make calls. Many offer free calling between users of the same app, while calls to regular phone numbers in America are usually charged at very competitive rates, often just a few pence per minute. Some even offer monthly subscriptions for unlimited calling to specific countries. The key consideration is the internet connection. Ensure you have a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection to avoid call drops and minimize data usage if you are using your mobile data plan. Also, be mindful of the time difference between London and America when placing your call to avoid inadvertently calling at inconvenient hours. If the person you're calling also has a smartphone, persuading them to use the same VoIP app as you will virtually eliminate call costs.What is the exit code for the UK when calling the US?
The exit code for the UK, which you must dial before the US country code when calling the US from London, is 00.
When dialing internationally, you first need to dial an exit code, sometimes referred to as an international access code. This code tells the telephone network that you are about to make a call outside of your current country. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling *from*. In the case of calling from the UK, you must first dial 00. This prepares the system to understand the international number that follows. After dialing the exit code (00 from the UK), you dial the country code for the country you are calling (1 for the US). Next you enter the area code for the specific region in the US you are trying to reach, and finally the recipient's local phone number. A complete call from London to a US number will therefore follow the format: 00 + 1 + [US Area Code] + [Local US Phone Number]. For example, to call a New York number, one might dial 00 1 212 555 1212.Do I need a special phone plan to call America?
Whether you need a special phone plan to call America from London depends entirely on your current plan and how often you plan to call. Many modern phone plans include international minutes or offer add-ons specifically for international calls. If you call infrequently, alternative methods like VoIP services or calling apps may be more cost-effective than changing your phone plan.
Calling America from London involves international dialing, and standard phone plans often charge hefty fees for these calls. Before dialing, investigate your current plan's international rates. Contact your provider (e.g., Vodafone, EE, O2, etc.) or check your online account to see if international calls are included in your minutes, or if they offer an international add-on package for calls to the US. These add-ons are generally cheaper than being charged per-minute rates. If you find that your current plan's international rates are high, explore alternative solutions. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or FaceTime allow you to make calls over the internet. These calls are often free or significantly cheaper, especially if you're calling another user of the same service. If you're making frequent calls to landlines or mobile numbers in America, purchasing credit or a subscription with a VoIP provider can prove much more economical than relying solely on your mobile phone plan's international rates.How do I dial a US mobile number from London?
To call a US mobile number from London, you'll need to dial the UK exit code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the 10-digit US mobile number (area code + phone number). So the complete format would be: 00 1 XXX YYY ZZZZ, where XXX is the area code, and YYY ZZZZ is the subscriber number.
When making international calls, it's crucial to use the correct prefixes and country codes. The "00" signals to the UK phone network that you are dialing an international number. The "1" is the designated country code for the United States and Canada. Omitting either of these will result in your call failing to connect. Ensure you double-check the US mobile number you're dialing to avoid errors. Keep in mind that international call rates will apply when calling a US mobile number from London. These rates can vary significantly depending on your phone service provider and your calling plan. Consider exploring options like international calling plans offered by your provider, or utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer more cost-effective solutions for international calls. These VoIP services typically use Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of traditional phone lines, which can lead to substantial savings.Are there apps I can use to make free calls to America?
Yes, several apps allow you to make free calls to America from London (or anywhere else) using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps leverage your internet connection to place calls, often offering free calls to other users of the same app or by offering free calls to US landlines and mobile numbers in exchange for watching ads or completing other small tasks.
Popular apps that provide free or very low-cost calls to the US include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and Facebook Messenger. Each of these apps typically allows free calls between users of the same platform. For example, a WhatsApp user in London can call a WhatsApp user in the US for free. If you want to call a regular phone number (landline or mobile) in the US from London using these apps, you often need to purchase credits or subscribe to a plan. However, some apps, like Google Voice, can offer truly free calls to US numbers from certain regions, although this is less common and might have limitations or require specific setup steps.
The quality of the call largely depends on the strength and stability of your internet connection. A strong Wi-Fi signal or a reliable mobile data connection is essential for clear and uninterrupted calls. Be mindful of data usage, particularly if you're using a mobile data plan. While the apps themselves might be free to download, excessive data usage can incur charges from your mobile carrier. Also, always check the terms of service of the app to understand any limitations or requirements for free calls, as conditions can change over time.
What's the time difference when calling the US from London?
The time difference between London and the US varies depending on the specific location in the US and the time of year, due to daylight saving time (DST) observed in both locations, but on different schedules. Generally, you can expect a time difference of between 5 to 8 hours. The East Coast (e.g., New York) is typically 5 hours behind London, while the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles) is usually 8 hours behind.
The crucial thing to remember is that both the UK and the US observe daylight saving time, but their DST start and end dates don't always align perfectly. The UK switches to British Summer Time (BST), adding one hour to GMT, usually on the last Sunday of March, and reverts to GMT on the last Sunday of October. The US, while using various time zones, generally starts DST on the second Sunday in March and ends it on the first Sunday in November. During the periods when only one location observes DST, the time difference will be temporarily altered by an hour. To accurately determine the time difference, it's always best to check a reliable online time zone converter or a world clock website. Simply input London and the specific US city you're trying to call to see the current time difference. Keep in mind that states like Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) do not observe DST, adding another layer of complexity to the calculation. Therefore, understanding where in the US you are calling is vital for timing your call effectively.Should I use a landline or mobile to call the USA?
Whether you should use a landline or mobile to call the USA from London primarily depends on cost, call quality, and your specific calling plan. Generally, using a mobile phone is more convenient, but landlines can sometimes offer lower call rates, especially if you have a specific international calling package.
The cost of calling the USA from London varies significantly between landlines and mobile providers. Many mobile providers offer international call add-ons or bundles that drastically reduce the per-minute rate. Before making a call, check your current mobile plan's international calling rates or consider purchasing a temporary international calling package. Landlines might have competitive rates through providers like BT or Virgin Media, particularly if you already subscribe to a home phone package with international call benefits. Always compare the per-minute rates and any connection fees charged by both your landline and mobile providers to determine the most cost-effective option. Call quality can also be a factor. Historically, landlines were considered more reliable for international calls, offering a clearer connection. However, with advancements in mobile technology and network infrastructure, mobile call quality is generally excellent, especially with 4G and 5G networks. Consider the signal strength in your location; if your mobile signal is weak, a landline might offer a more stable connection. Ultimately, testing both options to see which provides the clearest audio is the best approach.So there you have it! Calling the USA from London doesn't have to be a transatlantic trial. Hopefully, this guide has made it a breeze. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!